Miss America 2024 title goes to active-duty Air Force officer first time in history
Madison Marsh wins Miss America 2024 (facebook.com)
A 22-year-old Air Force officer from Colorado Madison Marsh won the 2024 Miss America pageant in Orlando, Florida. She is the first active-duty Air Force officer to win this title, according to CNN and The Washington Post.
Marsh is a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and a master’s student at the Harvard Kennedy School’s public policy program. She is from Arkansas and has a degree in physics from the Air Force Academy. Marsh became Miss Colorado in 2023.
“When I put on my uniform, I serve, and I represent our country,” Marsh said ahead of the finale. “When I put on the crown and sash, I’m serving, representing my community.”
Madison Marsh (instagram.com)
She emerged as the winner with her unique spoken-word piece and military background. During the discussion round, Marsh talked about her late mother's battle with cancer when addressing the topic of drugs in America. After her mother passed away in 2018, she helped set up a foundation to fund research into pancreatic cancer and support patients, raising over a quarter-million dollars to date.
In the talent round, she shared her experience of obtaining a pilot's license at the age of 16. Marsh highlighted her commitment to learning and leading with passion when asked about her goals as Miss America. She hopes her story can show young girls that they don't have to stick to traditional roles.
As Miss America, Madison will receive a $60,000 scholarship award and will travel the nation as the brand's ambassador.
Miss America pageant
There were 51 contestants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The competition had three nights of preliminary rounds, and 11 semi-finalists were chosen for the main event. These finalists went through different rounds, including a fitness showcase, a discussion on various topics, a talent performance, and an evening gown presentation.
